The Oniru of Iru Land in Lagos State, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, on Friday advised Nigeria to take a cue from Turkey’s style of grooming the tourism industry.
According to Lawal, Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, is a prime example of how tourism can drive economic growth and promote peace.
The traditional ruler gave the advice during the commemoration of the 2024 World Tourism Day, organised by Sterling Bank and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Tourism Day is an annual global event, celebrated every Sept. 27, established to cultivate and create global awareness on the significance of tourism, its social, political, financial and cultural values.
The theme for the 2024 World Tourism Day is “Tourism and Peace”.
The traditional ruler was the lead panelist presenter for the day.
Lawal said his comparative analysis of the cities of Lagos and Istanbul revealed the need for Lagos and Nigeria in general to learn from other climes, to channel tourism as a true catalyst for peace.
He said that Istanbul noted for unique blend of cultures, historical sites and stunning landscapes, had successfully leveraged its tourism sector to create jobs and boost the local economy.
According to him, Lagos and Nigeria can learn from this.
“As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2024, let us acknowledge the vital role of tourism in promoting peace.
“While Nigeria has made impressive strides in developing its tourism industry. The travel and tourism sector contributes approximately 4.5 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), amounting to billions of dollars, there is still much room for growth.
“A key factor in Istanbul’s success is its emphasis on education and training for youth in the tourism sector.
“We can draw inspiration from countries like Turkey, which has leveraged its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes to become a tourism powerhouse.
“By studying Turkey’s successes and adapting best practices to the Nigerian context, we can unlock the full potential of our tourism sector,” he said.
Lawal also advised Nigerians to invest in youth education on the subject of tourism, hospitality and other value chains around tourism.
He said his exploration of the intricate relationship between tourism and peace through the lens of Paul Collier, a Bristish Economist on conflict, informed his advice.
He said programmes focused on language skills, hospitality management and cultural preservation would equip young people with the skills needed to excel in the tourism industry, just as done in Istanbul.
He noted that the focus on education would not only enhance the quality of tourism services but also provide meaningful employment opportunities for the youth, contributing to social stability.
He said educated youths were more likely to secure employment, contribute positively to their communities, and resist being drawn into conflict.
“By embracing Paul Collier’s theory on conflict and peace, investing in the education of our youth, and learning from successful examples like Istanbul, we can unlock the full potential of tourism in fostering economic development and social stability.
“In the context of tourism, education equips young people with the skills needed to thrive in the industry, from hospitality management to cultural preservation.
“Let us commit to creating a future where tourism serves as a bridge to peace, providing opportunities for our youth and building a more harmonious world,” he said.
Lawal emphasised that poverty and lack of economic opportunities create fertile ground for conflict.
He said conversely, economic growth, fueled by sectors such as tourism, could promote peace by providing jobs and improving living standards.
“When economic benefits are equitably distributed, it reduces grievances that can lead to conflict. Tourism, with its potential to create jobs and spur local economies, play crucial role in this inclusive development,” he said.
The traditional ruler also advised Nigerians to practice responsible tourism, saying it was not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity for community development and global peace efforts.
He said by prioritising sustainability, respecting cultural heritage, and fostering inclusive growth, responsible tourism could contribute to global peace.
“It helps build resilient communities that are better equipped to handle challenges and conflicts, promoting a more peaceful world,” he said.